I'm a Unity-focused game developer based in Sydney, with a passion for 2D puzzle gameplay, gameplay systems, and UI integration. I excel at translating designers' concepts into smooth, engaging player experiences by integrating assets and crafting polished gameplay around constraints. I thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy turning ideas into practical, fun features that feel intuitive and responsive. I bring strong C# programming, debugging, and desktop optimization skills, and a collaborative mindset to cross-disciplinary teams. I'm based in Sydney and available for hybrid on-site collaboration.

Chris Mackay

I'm a Unity-focused game developer based in Sydney, with a passion for 2D puzzle gameplay, gameplay systems, and UI integration. I excel at translating designers' concepts into smooth, engaging player experiences by integrating assets and crafting polished gameplay around constraints. I thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy turning ideas into practical, fun features that feel intuitive and responsive. I bring strong C# programming, debugging, and desktop optimization skills, and a collaborative mindset to cross-disciplinary teams. I'm based in Sydney and available for hybrid on-site collaboration.

Available to hire

I’m a Unity-focused game developer based in Sydney, with a passion for 2D puzzle gameplay, gameplay systems, and UI integration. I excel at translating designers’ concepts into smooth, engaging player experiences by integrating assets and crafting polished gameplay around constraints. I thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy turning ideas into practical, fun features that feel intuitive and responsive.

I bring strong C# programming, debugging, and desktop optimization skills, and a collaborative mindset to cross-disciplinary teams. I’m based in Sydney and available for hybrid on-site collaboration.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Game Developer at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 2022 - Present
Designed, developed, and tested Unity-based 2D puzzle games; built dialogue systems, clue tracking, branching logic, and puzzle interactions; integrated 2D/3D assets, UI, and audio; optimized gameplay loops and asset pipelines for desktop performance; collaborated closely with designers and writers to translate concepts into engaging player experiences.
Administration & Database Assistant at Office of Advancement, Macquarie University
November 1, 2016 - January 1, 2023
Provided technical, administrative, and customer support across CRM systems, data operations, and process improvement; improved data quality through data cleansing and documentation; streamlined workflows and cross-functional collaboration with IT teams.
Web Content Migration Officer at IT, Macquarie University
July 1, 2015 - November 1, 2016
Migrated data and updated web content using CMS & Squiz Matrix; ensured data integrity by applying metadata, resolving formatting issues, and resolving CMS/content-related problems to improve digital experience for staff and students.
Web CMS Operator at Web Transformation Project, Macquarie University
January 1, 2015 - July 1, 2015
Enhanced website accuracy by updating pages, resolving HTML issues, and managing permissions; improved user experience by resolving CMS errors and ensuring content quality.
Election Official at NSW Electoral Commission
March 1, 2015 - June 1, 2015
Delivered accurate, compliant election support through strong communication and attention to detail.
Casual Analytics Assistant at Macquarie University
March 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Improved reporting accuracy by troubleshooting data inconsistencies and testing dashboards; supported analytics functions with data validation and documentation.

Education

Bachelor of Information Technology at Macquarie University, Sydney
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026

Qualifications

Diploma of Information Technology (Game Programming)
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024

Industry Experience

Gaming, Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    paper Real‑Time Audio‑Reactive Music Video (In development)

    • Developing an audio-reactive real-time rendered music video for a music album, where each playthrough is different, with procedural animations and a mix of hand-crafted directing with elements of curated randomness.

    paper 3D Pixel‑Art Puzzle Exploration Game

    • Designed and programmed a non‑linear exploration experience where players navigate darkness and strategically light campfires to reveal pathways and solve environmental puzzles.
    • Implemented custom lighting logic, progression gating, and exploration‑driven narrative beats.

    paper High‑Speed Fighter Jet Canyon Run

    • Built fast‑paced score‑chasing jet game featuring tight canyon flight, projectile systems, destructible artifacts.
    • Developed movement physics, collision handling, scoring logic, and time‑pressure gameplay loops.

    paper High‑Speed Parkour Rat Escape

    • Built fast‑movement parkour game where players control a rat escaping an industrial kitchen during fumigation.
    • Implemented traversal mechanics, environmental hazards, and momentum‑based movement.

    paper Small Town Detective Mystery (2D Narrative Puzzle)

    • Implemented clue tracking, interrogation logic, branching dialogue, and timed information reveals.
    • Integrated 2D assets, UI, and audio into a cohesive puzzle driven experience.
    • Required continuous cross‑disciplinary teamwork and shared decision‑making between artists and writers.

    paper Sushi Restaurant Tycoon (Systems Driven 2D Management Game)

    • Built queueing, seating, resource pipelines, and upgrade systems.
    • Integrated 2D sprites, UI, and physics-based interactions.